Welcome to a new episode of What's for Dinner? But this time, I'm sharing 6 dinners I make when I don't feel like cooking.
Ok, we’ve all been there. Cooking burnout. You don’t feel like cooking. You’d rather do anything else than bust out the pots and pans. Cooking burnout is real and it’s important to have some handy, quick meals you can serve so you don’t constantly rely on take out.
Today’s video is a collaboration with my wonderful friend, Robin, from Faith and Flour. Robin’s channel is so delightful. She shares homemaking, cooking, and cleaning videos, and also does the ten-item wardrobe. She is also sharing meals she likes to make when she doesn’t feel like cooking. You can see Robin's video here.
There are some obvious things you can make when you don’t feel like cooking: frozen pizza comes to mind. I definitely make this. Also, pasta with jarred sauce, cheese, and garlic bread is a great option. But other than those two obvious meal ideas, here are some more ideas that might work for your family.
Here is a key element: these are all crowd pleasers. Because there is nothing worse than not feeling like cooking AND your family doesn’t eat the meal you eventually make.
Fish n' Chips You can find really delicious frozen beer battered fish at the supermarket. These are different than the standard fish sticks that kids generally enjoy. Pop the beer battered cod into the oven according to the package directions along with some french fries. If you like to make your own fries in the air fryer, slice your potatoes (keep the skins on... you don't feel like cooking, remember?), let them soak for 20 minutes in water, then drain and pat dry. Season with 2 Tbs olive oil and a teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook in the air fryer according to your air fryer directions. Serve this with a side of peas, tartar sauce, a lemon wedge and malt vinegar.
Chicken burgers These are a nice alternative to a traditional beef burger and way less messy. (When you don't feel like cooking, you don't generally feel like cleaning either.) Place your breaded chicken patties directly from the freezer onto a greased baking pan and bake according to the package directions. Toast the buns. (Keep those in the freezer too so you always have them on hand.) Serve with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mayo and mustard and whatever other toppings you like. So easy.
Meatball subs Cook your meatballs straight from the freezer in this easy, but satisfying recipe. Place 1/2 cup of water in the Instant Pot, add 1lb of frozen meatballs, Place a 14oz jar of marinara sauce on top. Close the lid to the Instant Pot and set it to sealing. Cook according to your Instant Pot instructions (I cook mine on high pressure for 12 minutes). Place the meatballs on toasted, buttered sandwich rolls and place mozzarella cheese on top. Lightly toast in the oven until the cheese is melted.
Tuna pasta salad This classic pantry dish is a family favorite. My mother made this for us and I, in turn, enjoy serving it to my family... even on days I don't feel like cooking. I usually have all of the ingredients and can whip this up in no time. Boil and drain your pasta (I like to use penne or fusilli), Add mayonnaise to taste, garlic salt, and whatever ingredients you have on hand. I like olives, corn, pickles, peas, etc. Don't forget to add the canned tuna (drained). Delicious!
Soup and salad or soup and sandwich This one is delightfully easy and still satisfying. I like to heat up a nice tomato soup on the stove and fry up a few grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough bread. I serve the soup with a dollop of sour cream and a very easy meal has just been served.
Rotisserie chicken with vegetables This is a wonderful alternative to take-out. On days I don't like to cook, I like to pick up a rotisserie chicken and serve with a simple salad. If you want to make it really easy, make one of those salad kits from the grocery store. So easy.
Breakfast for dinner This is actually the 7th idea, but I had to include it here as a bonus. Many people don't consider breakfast for dinner, but it's the perfect thing you make when you have nothing to make or don't feel like cooking. You can usually fry up some eggs, make some toast and bacon, and have a rather enjoyable dinner. Or consider having waffles, or even sausage and blueberry muffins.
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Regarding Monday's interview with Bryan Kozlowski, Sandy writes, "I so enjoyed this interview! I want to read both of his books. What really stood out was how etiquette can slow down our eating, so we can take time digesting and registering that we are full, and enjoying conversation and time spent together. I eat slow compared to my husband and kids, and cooking from scratch takes so long, I have thought about serving my family in courses so that they will take a slower approach to eating. I also loved hearing about the Queen looking at every situation, and finding one positive thing to look forward to. Thank you for the interview and sharing such timeless advice."
Thank you so much, Susan. I'm so happy you enjoyed our interview!
I hope you enjoyed today's video. I would love to know what you make for dinner when you don't feel like cooking. Let us know in the comments and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on the blog.
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This all counts as "cooking" at my house!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennifer, these are great ideas! I'm going to make note of these for my husband's and my camping trips we are going to be doing! I don't have either a air fryer or instant pot, but will adapt! We have a small Scamp travel trailer and when we don't do a cookout meal we can cook inside on the range and use the oven. Great, simple meal ideas for that!
ReplyDeleteDD- for those days when you don't feel like cooking anything, frozen pizza or a freezer meal is the ticket.
ReplyDeleteUnknown- Thank you! I love that idea!
~ Jennifer
Which brand of meatballs and which market carries them? 😊
ReplyDeleteDear Daily Connoisseur,
ReplyDeleteI love the beautiful china you show with the breakfast for dinner meal. Please share the maker and pattern. I have browsed your notes, but don’t see the information there. Thank you. I have been enjoying your videos for only a few weeks and I truly appreciate them.